Rev. Sean vibrantly illustrates the power of simple rules and explores why simple rules are so effective at empowering individual actions and forging strong communities.

 

The concept of emergence that is explored in this piece, is influenced by the phenomenal work of adrienne marie brown (http://adriennemareebrown.net/) and her book Emergent Strategy.

Rev. Sean Neil-Barron offers a poetic homily honoring the power and breadth of the simple “just breathe.”

Rev. Gretchen guides us in a meditation and writing exercise to notice the things that receive our attention, discern our values, and explore the intersection of the two.

Rev. Elaine shares how lowering the bar has helped her cope during the pandemic and explores how lowering expectations in general helps one value things other than societal expectations of productivity. Rev. Elaine suggests that, at the very least, our expectations of ourselves merit some scrutiny, particularly when we’re under stress. She teaches that, “Our real value lies not in what we do, but in who we are.”

Martin Luther King Jr told the story of Rip Van Winkle at the 1966 General Assembly of Unitarian Universalists to show that many white Americans were asleep to persisting injustice and racism. Foothills Family Ministry team shares the all-ages story and how MLK's teaching is still relevant today.

The story of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter for all ages. Inspired by Lauren Wyeth's telling in June 2020.

Rev. Gretchen explores how waking up to injustice is a practice we live out in the smallest choices of our everyday lives.

Rev. Gretchen teaches about Beloved Community in the context of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and Unitarian Universalism.

Rev. Elaine offers a meditation and prayer to remind us that our deepest allegiance is to Love, to each other, and to the earth.

Rev. Gretchen reminds us that nothing is settled - not even ourselves - and explores how darkness signals great possibility. Drawing on the work of James Clear, Rev. Gretchen teaches how we can persist through the darkness of uncertainty by focusing on the value of small, everyday acts.